Sunday, November 15, 2009

Ken Griffey is Coming Back Again..

One of the all time greats who seems like he has been around the league forever is coming back yet again for over two decades of great baseball playing action.

Griffey returning for a 22nd season

Seattle, WA (Sports Network) - Ken Griffey Jr. will return for a 22nd major league season, as he has agreed to a one-year deal with the Seattle Mariners.

Financial terms were not released, but it is believed to be similar to the $2 million plus incentives pact he received last year.

"I'd like to thank the Mariners organization for inviting me back to play in 2010," said Griffey. "While 2009 was an awesome experience for me, my ultimate goal is for the Mariners to get to and win the World Series. To that end, I look forward to contributing in any role that Don (Wakamatsu) sees fit on the field, and any manner I possibly can off the field."

Griffey, who will turn 40 on November 21, appeared in 117 games for the Mariners this past season, but hit just .214 with 19 home runs and 57 RBI, while serving primarily as the team's designated hitter.

"We believe that Ken's presence with the Seattle Mariners organization was such a positive asset last season with his leadership on and off the field," said Jack Zduriencik. "His passion for baseball, life and the Seattle Mariners goes unsaid. We are happy to have Ken back for the 2010 season."

For his career, though, Griffey ranks fifth all-time with 630 home runs and 16th in RBI with 1,829. He is a 10-time All-Star and also won 10 consecutive Gold Gloves from 1990-1999 to go with his career .285 batting average and .541 slugging percentage.

Griffey, who recently underwent arthroscopic knee surgery, spent the first 11 years of his career in Seattle, but was granted his trade request following the 1999 season, as Seattle shipped him to Cincinnati in exchange for Mike Cameron, Brett Tomko, Antonio Perez and Jake Meyer.

The Reds did not record a playoff appearance in Griffey's injury-filled time with the team, and he was traded to the White Sox before the trade deadline in 2008. He returned to Seattle prior to last season as a free agent.

Griffey had finished in the top-10 in the MVP voting seven times -- winning in 1997 -- during his years with the Mariners.